The Value of Sports in Education and Society
In our daily lives, sports are almost always governed by some sort of ritual or code, that help guarantee fair play, and allow for consistent adjudication of each winner. For example, football has its own traditions, codes and regulations. Chess is often played in international competitions with countries outside of one’s country, requiring adherence to a different set of guidelines. Sports also have an important social and educational role to play, as many athletes actively partake in community recreational sports such as baseball, basketball, softball, soccer, tennis, swimming, track and field, wrestling and field and others.
Today, nearly every country allows for both competitive and non-competitive playing of various sports. However, international sports competitions such as the Olympics and other major sporting events, require strict adherence to predetermined rules that govern physical prowess, uniformity and cleanliness. These rules are enforced through the form of penalties, fines, disqualifications and warnings. Additionally, there are often strict rules governing conduct and the wearing of protective gear and equipment at athletic contests and events.
Most popular modern sports also incorporate elements of religion into their rules and traditions. For instance, most soccer matches involve some form of religion, with fans kneeling and praying to the gods and goddesses in order to achieve success on the field. Similarly, most horse races and bicycle races are controlled by the rules governing jousting, with spectators swearing to uphold the rules of the sport and to keep the horses obedient to their bidding.
Professional sport also has significant social and educational values to consider. Most sports activities require skill and manual dexterity, as well as a measure of stamina and endurance. This helps create workers, since many athletes spend large amounts of time in training in order to excel in their chosen sports. Also, participation in physical contests such as boxing and other martial arts can foster positive attitudes towards society.
The physical activity required by sports also contributes to physical health and wellness. Participating in sports allows people to build muscle strength and endurance, as well as maintaining optimal levels of body mass. This leads to better health and less likelihood of becoming overweight or obese. Additionally, athletes are more likely to engage in physical exercise, leading to decreased health risks of age and disease. This is important for combating against the aging process and preventing certain diseases such as heart disease and osteoporosis.
Sports, whether they are team sports high school sports, college sports, or physical activity organized by an organization, provide athletes with an outlet for competition, camaraderie, and exercise that many adults would otherwise not have the chance to pursue. While most high schools and colleges offer some type of physical activity and sport clubs, some do not. For this reason, it is important to consider whether your child is a good candidate for joining his or her desired sports team, or consider other options.